VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 1932/1931 Cylinder Heads

I know the intakes are different from 31 and 32 engines, just wondering if the heads were the same. I am looking at a 32 engine that has a 31 head. I assume the engine was running with this combination. Question is..do the heads look different from the outside that could be detected as not being a 32?? I know the date codes will be indicate a 31. This head has an E which puts it at May of 31..No way they were in to 32 production yet..right??

Hell chevytech -

Welcome to Chev Chat!! Tons of great people here and someone will be able to answer your questions. Consider joining our fine club !

As to your question, my 31 has a 32 eng block in it mated to a 31 head with no problems. There are differences in the two years, but I cannot tell you of them all.

You are right, 32's were not produced in May 31.

And that's what happens when you don't proof-read!!

Sorry, didn't mean Hell, but Hello!!

Jim.

The Cylinder heads look the same. The 1932 head has slightly different combustion chamber and slightly longer valves than a 1931. The rocker arm ratio on a 1932 head is increased. It is best to use 1931 rocker arms on a 1931 head, and 1932 rocker arms on a 1932 head.

The 1932 engine will not run as well with a 1931 head due to the reduced valve lift , and a little bit of reduced compression.(but would be hard to notice)

After making a post you have up to one hour to edit the post, which you could have done in this case since your two posts were only one minute apart. Just click on "Edit" on the bottom of your post and you can correct your mistake instead of making another post.

Thank you Mr. Dog. Will remember that for future use as I am positive that I will continue to make mistakes. Think this might have something to do with age??? Poor excuse is better than none??

Jim.

I guess my real question is if I used a 31 head on my 32, could it be detected from external appearances??

Other than the casting date and the screws that attach the top of the push rod cover to the cylinder head on a 1932, the two cylinder heads look pretty much the same. However, it is not a good idea to put a 1931 head on a 1932. That is a step backwards.

I had a 31 head on my 32 for about 30 or more years. That's the way I bought it in 1962. The only visible difference I found was that there are three screws securing the side cover to the head just below the valve cover on 32 engines. Before I found a 32 head, I thought I would cut the heads off 1/4 20 machine screws and glue them into the 32 side cover since the 31 head did not have holes the receive them. Installing the 32 head made that unnecessary. Hope this helps.